I want to look like me but better??

[beela]

Help! I don't usually wear much make up - tinted moisturiser and mascara is usually the extent of it, occasionally a bit of blusher.

I'm going to a party in a couple of weeks and would like to look good! But don't really know where to start with the make up. I don't want to look like a clown but would like to look a bit less tired and haggard than usual

I thought I might go to one of the make up counters in House of Fraser or somewhere to get advice but where is good for the subtle look and not the hard sell? Or what products should I think about using?

I'm 38 btw, if that makes any difference.

Hi Beela, I love my make-up, and even I get overwhelmed by choice, my latest buy is Laura Geller balance and glow, it is a powder foundation that has a tiny bit off radiance in it, I wear it on no make up days, just brush and buff all over. Qvc have it on offer at the moment you can try and return even after using it.

This is quite a good, of basic guide to getting started with makeup (picture)

When I want to look like myself but better with minimal makeup I put concealer under my eyes to cover the dark circles, smooth some Garnier Miracle Skin BB cream over my face, put on mascara, eyeliner and some neutral eyeshadow and sweep a bit of bronzer over my skin and put some Benefit Posie Tint on my lips.

I've got some pretty good tutorials saved on Pinterest, I'll see if I can root them out...

This is "contouring" using bronzer, highlighter, blusher to give you a very polished look. How you do it depends a lot on your face shape, and it takes a bit of practice but looks very, very good when done right, and not done with too heavy a hand! I contour my face for evenings out, or do so very lightly if I want a slightly more sleek look for daytime.

Maybelline's Master Concealer is very good by the way (I have dry skin), especially when used with their dream liquid foundation. Makes my skin look perfectly, immaculately flawless whilst still natural and not mask like.

A cushion foundation is in a little box that looks like powder. It comes with a special little puff applicator which you use to apply the foundation. The foundation itself is held in a "cushion" which is like a little sponge. The idea is that the sponge only dispenses the amount you need. You press the little applicator on the sponge then on your skin.

This is mine
[http://www.misshaus.com/m-magic-cushion-spf50-pa.html]
The coverage is good but the products looks light on the skin i.e not cakey

That's a good tutorial
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I've tried the L'Oréal cushion make up and it is also very nice. Quick and easy too.

My top idiot-proof (no offence!) recs would be to get your eyebrows and lashes tinted and shaped; to use a bit of subtle highlighter such as Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating whatsit on your cheekbones and eyelids; and to find a lipstick or tinted lip gloss the same colour as your lips. Voila!

Idiot proof is exactly what I need laquila